Nautilus

The chambered nautilus is an ancient being related to the squid and octopus, and from what I have read they have been around since before dinosaurs. They definitely know something about survival. Wow. The nautilus lives in a spiraled shell that is divided into chambers that get increasingly larger. As it grows, the nautilus moves into the next largest space in the shell and builds a wall to seal off the old chamber. The physical beauty of this shell becomes even more wondrous because it conforms to the Golden Ratio. The Golden Ratio is something that is found in all living things which makes us mere humans really ponder the mysteries of the universe.

You would think that when a ratio keeps showing up everywhere that it would make us feel like there is an order, a sense of stability, to the world. But strangely it seems to have an opposite effect where we’re like: what, how is this possible, how can nature not be random and irregular? If this is found all over nature- from sea creatures to warm blooded mammals to chlorophyll beings, then perhaps, just perhaps, does this mean we are all connected? No, it can’t be, humans dominate the world! We are the ones that must impose order!!

Forgive my ramblings, I just find the contradiction fascinating.

Personally, I love the form. I have two ammonite fossils that are similar to the nautilus shell spiral. One I wear around my neck at times. The other is larger and I keep it in my studio. I have looked up the symbolism of the nautilus shell and they are often a metaphor for spiritual growth and evolution. The idea being that we are continuously growing and learning and when we grow, and as we grow, we move into a new and ever expanding space. We should not and cannot stay in the same small space.

I also feel like whether it’s the nautilus or the ammonite fossil, it is such a perfect symbol of both earth energy and water energy. Deep like the ocean and grounded like the earth. And so ancient. I have been wanting to do a piece inspired by the nautilus and ammonite for a long time. I have attempted before in the past, but they never quite panned out. Well, once in a visual journal page. Glad this one finally came forth.

{A few weeks ago I was talking to someone who had a beautiful tattoo of the Golden Ratio spiral on her arm and I was like, ahhh, I really need to make this piece that based on the nautilus shell that has been burning in side me for so long! Sometimes I get a kick in the pants from random encounters. Grateful for that.}

I have also been thinking about transparency and creating layers and layers of transparent glazes with the encaustic surface. I will definitely keep exploring that.